Module Information

Module Identifier
ES10110
Module Title
Environmental Science Tutorial Level 1
Academic Year
2017/2018
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Mutually Exclusive
Mutually Exclusive
Mutually Exclusive

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Tutorial 11 x 2 Hour Tutorials
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Essay  40%
Semester Assessment Presentation  5-minutes  20%
Semester Assessment Essay  Assignment 3: Written essay  40%
Supplementary Assessment Essay  Assignment 3: Written essay Resubmission of failed components if the overall module mark is a fail.  40%
Supplementary Assessment Presentation  Assignment 4: Written essay Resubmission of failed components if the overall module mark is a fail.  Script and visual materials in lieu of presentation (500 words)  20%
Supplementary Assessment Essay  Assignment 2: Group debate on a topic in Environmental Science (5% based on group preparatory work and contribution to the debate; 15% based on individual written report summarizing the debate). Mark for groupwork component of assignment 2 will carry forward. Resubmission of failed components if the overall module mark is a fail.  40%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Identify appropriate data sources and resources for Environmental Science, including books, journals and websites, and show an appreciation of the issues involved in their use.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of selected key concepts and ideas in Environmental Science.

3. Produce assessed work of a style and standard appropriate to university level coursework.

4. Undertake appropriate independent preparatory work for classes, including reading and research.

Brief description

The Environmental Science core includes an assessed tutorial component with personal academic tutors in small groups of about five students. In this module study and personal skills are developed, career ambitions explored and academic discussion takes place around a defined syllabus.

Academic coursework in the Level 1 Tutorial module examines the themes that emerge from the topics discussed in the first year Environmental Science modules and through such enquiry develops a range of academic study skills. These include:
• The planning of work routines and the setting of academic and personal targets;
• Library use and how to build an effective reading programme; styles of note making/annotation and bibliographic referencing;
• Data analysis and interpretation;
• Environmental Science Essay Writing and examination technique (students are introduced to good writing skills and the qualities used to assess written work);
• The value of, and how to respond to, feedback.

The tutorial module offers students the opportunity to engage directly in their learning, to contribute to discussion and give presentations on their work in a small group setting. Alongside its academic role, discussion can take place of employability and careers opportunities. The module is assessed through three assignments.

The first assignment (1,500 words; 40%) consists of an essay (1,200 words; 80%) and a commentary noting how students have responded to formative feedback (300 words; 20%). The second assignment consists of a five-minute presentation (20%), while the final assignment consists of an essay (40%).

Brochure Text

The tutorial module is designed to be a complementary module for students taking Part One Environmental Science. It provides a basis for close and regular supervisory contact with students throughout the year.

Aims

1) To assist students in making the transition between A level and university level
2) To introduce students to key concepts and ideas in Environmental Science
• 3) To help students identify and effectively employ appropriate sources of data and information in Environmental Science
• 4) To provide support for, and coherence between, the core modules in Environmental Science
• 5) To develop students' study skills
• 6) To develop students' personal transferable skills.

Content

This module combines pastoral and personal development responsibilities of the personal tutor with the development of core study skills that are central to success in Higher Education.
The ten sessions (which include personal tutor meetings) will address the following themes:
• Evaluating and reviewing library and learning resources;
• Writing for academic audiences;
• Responding to feedback;
• Revision techniques;
• Presentation techniques.

Other issues relating to pastoral development – such as signposting university and local services, the expectations and challenges of university life, time and resource management, reviewing academic performance, and employability and career aspirations - can be discussed in designated personal tutor slots.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number This is not explicitly addressed in this module.
Communication Students will be required to present written work in an appropriate academic register, and to present orally in a clear and professional manner.
Improving own Learning and Performance Students will be encouraged to respond to feedback; a component of assignment 1 assesses how students have responded to feedback.
Information Technology Students will be required to use word processing technology for the two essays, and presentation software for the presentation.
Personal Development and Career planning Personal development and employability issues are embedded in the personal tutor sessions.
Problem solving This is not explicitly targeted in this module.
Research skills Students will be required to research and evaluate and analyse information for coursework
Subject Specific Skills The three assignments address key debates and themes in environmental science.
Team work While not assessed, there will be opportunities for students to work as a team.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4